Limits and boundaries (Part 1)

Healthy structure is one of the most important gifts parents can provide for their teens.  Growing up in a house with structure will help teens to predict consequences, learn from their mistakes and improve healthy relationships between parents and teens. Many adolescents will act as if they don’t like limits being placed on them; however, […]

Read More

You love your child

Excerpt from “99 Tips for Talking with Your Teenager:” Tip #37: Remember you love your child even if you do not always like or approve of his or her behavior. Commentary from ACS Executive Director, Dr.Philippe Rey: Continue to provide all of your children with positive feedback and opportunities to grow. Reflect on what you […]

Read More

Warning signs

Excerpt from “99 Tips for Talking with Your Teenager:” Tip #79- Watch for any danger signs such as alcohol on your child’s breath, the smell of marijuana, paraphernalia, severe drop in grades, extreme friendship changes. Commentary from ACS Executive Director, Dr.Philippe Rey: Seek support and guidance for yourself in dealing with the changes in a […]

Read More

Bridging the gap

Commentary by ACS Executive Director, Dr.Philippe Rey: Intergenerational incomprehension — perhaps akin to the “”generation gap”” of earlier decades — makes figuring out what teens are talking about, listening to, wearing and why like reading a foreign language. What can parents do to bridge today”s gap? Here are some guidelines we have found helpful in […]

Read More

Laugh

Excerpt from “99 Tips for Talking with Your Teenager:” Tip #72: Many teens develop a keen sense of humor. Laugh with them when you can. Commentary from ACS Executive Director, Dr.Philippe Rey: Raising an adolescent is no easy task.  It is a rollercoaster ride filled with ups and downs that often leave you worried, frustrated, […]

Read More

Admit your mistakes

Excerpt from “99 Tips for Talking with Your Teenager:” Tip #89: Always be willing to admit your mistake and say, “I am sorry.” Commentary from ACS Executive Director, Dr.Philippe Rey: Accept that you have feelings too. You may feel frustrated, angry, discouraged, or sad during difficult times with your adolescent. Being a good parent doesn’t […]

Read More

Help your adolescent move toward independence

Excerpt from “99 Tips for Talking with Your Teenager:” Tip #27: Begin to shift your role from parenting to coaching. Ask questions like, “Have you considered…?” or , “Is there another option?” or, “If you try A versus B, what will happen?” Commentary from ACS Executive Director, Dr.Philippe Rey: Help your adolescent move toward independence. […]

Read More

Use positive reinforcement

Excerpt from “99 Tips for Talking with Your Teenager:” Tip #20: Yelling gets attention, but directs it at you, instead of the mistake or the bad decision! Let’s face it, who finds it easy to think when someone is yelling at us? Commentary from ACS Executive Director, Dr.Philippe Rey: Use positive reinforcement for positive behavior […]

Read More